Alison was inspired by the story of Finlay Higgs and his family. Four-year-old Finlay has been battling Hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, since the age of two. When she heard about Finlay and his story, she was filled with compassion for the Higgs family as her own mother had come through a fight with cancer.

Inspired with her mother’s journey, Alison has been hosting a private afternoon tea and book sale at her home for family and friends aimed at raising money for cancer research for the previous three years. For 2017, she decided to raise funds through the book sale to go towards the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation (Inc.) (CLCRF).

“I was inspired by the Higgs family, who drew my awareness to the lack of funding for paediatric cancer research,” explained Alison.

Alison’s generous family and friends donated books and made food for the event on 4 November.

“Every year I have met new people, who have shared their own stories of how cancer has touched their life, and that has been the driving force to continue – the hope that every dollar will make a difference and to acknowledge and support people affected by cancer,” she said.

The book sale was very successful and nearly $900 was raised for the CLCRF!

Thank you Alison, your friends and family for your generous effort and donation to the CLCRF! We are very touched by your love and compassion for children and families bravely fighting cancer. The money raised will go towards much-needed child cancer research.

The 10th annual Wellard Campdraft held over three days starting on 24 November in Pinjarra, featured highly bred and trained horses and their skilled riders running at their best in manoeuvring cattle around the course. The event was held at the McLarty family’s Blythewood farming property in Pinjarra with funds raised going to the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation (Inc.) (CLCRF).

The unique sport of campdrafting is a family affair, and most competitors take time out of their busy lives to have fun and participate in the three-day festival of events. This year’s Campdraft had two prestigious Open events producing outstanding winners. An evening barbeque on Saturday night gave those involved an opportunity to let their hair down and socialise.

Wellard Limited Executive Director of Operations, Fred Troncone, said the livestock exporter was proud of its commitment to such a successful event.

“Being involved with the Wellard Star of the West Camp Draft over the years is a fantastic experience. To see the dedication of the riders and their horses and also the local community to come together to put the event on is amazing – thanks to everyone involved, particularly the McLarty Family, Boar Swamp Committee and Wellard,” said Andrea Alexander, Executive Officer of CLCRF.

Congratulations to the event organisers, winners and competitors of the Wellard Campdraft. We value your contribution to child cancer research through this outstanding annual event.

Icky Sticky Bears were adorable teddy bears caught indulging in a pot of honey. Honey covered their faces and bodies as they were caught red-handed with their paws in the honey pot! The CLCRF were urging supporters to adopt these lovable teddy bears at the cost of $10 each, while also raising funds for the Foundation.

The bears were hugely popular and are a reminder of the fun and unique ways that the CLCRF have raised money for child cancer research. The Foundation is always coming up with exciting new ways of raising money for research into cancer. If you have a great new idea for raising money, please let us know!

On Thursday 7 December at the Resident Bar in Nedlands, Fundraising Institute of Australia celebrated their End of Year Awards Night. It was an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the year and highlight achievements of organisations within the WA fundraising sector.

Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation (Inc.) (CLCRF) were incredibly excited and proud to be awarded the inaugural FIA WA Award for Fundraising Team of the Year on the night.

“The team at CLCRF are incredibly excited to win this! What a fabulous way to start 2018,” said Andrea Alexander, Executive Officer of CLCRF.

The CLCRF are now in the running for the National FIA Award which will be announced in March 2018 at the FIA National Conference held in Sydney.

On the evening of Monday 4 December, at the Telethon Kids Institute in Subiaco, Foundation members and invited guests of the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation (Inc.) (CLCRF) met for the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Foundation.

Geoff Cattach, Chairman, and Andrea Alexander, Executive Officer, gave their respective reports on Foundation activities during 2016/17. The 2017 Annual Report, with Audited Financial Statement, was also distributed to attendees.

The highlight of the evening was Professor Ursula Kees being awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Foundation upon her retirement.

“This award was in recognition of Professor Kees’ wonderful contribution to childhood cancer research over 30 years,” Andrea Alexander explained.

The Annual General Meeting was followed by the customary Christmas Cocktail Party and gave those present a chance to farewell Professor Ursula Kees and thank her for her years of dedication.